Patrick Stewart To Reprise ‘Star Trek’ Role For New CBS All Access Series

CBS has made it so! Sir Patrick Stewart will reprise his iconic role as Jean-Luc Picard in a new ‘Star Trek’ series for CBS All Access! The announcement was made by Stewart himself in a surprise appearance at the Las Vegas ‘Star Trek’ Convention with the words, ‘Jean-Luc Picard… is back!”

The new series is said to focus on the next chapter of Picard’s life, so the Picard that will appear in this show may not be the same man that we have grown to love in ‘The Next Generation.’ As Stewart teases:

“He may not be captain anymore. Twenty years has passed, which is nearly the length of time between Nemesis and today.”

Beyond that, no other details such as title, episode count, premiere date, or if other ‘Next Generation’ characters will appear alongside Picard. Stewart did explain, however, that this new show is still in early development and that the creative team is “still talking story” and that no scripts have been written so that may explain why. He also mentioned that this new show will maintain the quality and legacy of ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation.’ As he put it, “It will be exactly as it was before.”

“I will always be very proud to have been a part of Star Trek: The Next Generation, but when we wrapped that final movie in the spring of 2002, I truly felt my time with Star Trek had run its natural course. It is, therefore, an unexpected but delightful surprise to find myself excited and invigorated to be returning to Jean-Luc Picard and to explore new dimensions within him. Seeking out new life for him, when I thought that life was over. During these past years, it has been humbling to hear many stories about how The Next Generation brought people comfort, saw them through difficult periods in their lives or how the example of Jean-Luc inspired so many to follow in his footsteps, pursuing science, exploration and leadership. I feel I’m ready to return to him for the same reason — to research and experience what comforting and reforming light he might shine on these often very dark times. I look forward to working with our brilliant creative team as we endeavor to bring a fresh, unexpected and pertinent story to life once more.”

Alex Kurtzman, who will executive produce the new series alongside Stewart also stated:

“With overwhelming joy, it’s a privilege to welcome Sir Patrick Stewart back to the Star Trek fold. For over 20 years, fans have hoped for the return of Captain Jean-Luc Picard and that day is finally here. We can’t wait to forge new ground, surprise people, and honor generations both new and old.”

According to ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ producer, Ted Sullivan, the series is the brainchild of Kirsten Beyer who many know as a prolific writer of ‘Star Trek’ novels and part if the ‘Discovery’ writers room:

This #Picard news is very exciting. It’s the brain child of our dear friend and lifelong Trek “keeper of the flame” #KirstenBeyer. This couldn’t have happened to a better or more talented artist and human being! Exciting times for #StarTrek!

This will be the third ‘Star Trek’ series that will be exclusively streamed on CBS All Access. Besides ‘Discovery,’ All Access will release ‘Star Trek: Short Treks‘ in the Fall which has been described as a 4 part mini-series containing standalone stories each running 10-15 minutes in length.

Be sure to check back with ScienceFiction.com as we’ll bring you all the news and information about the new Picard series as it becomes available. In the meantime, comment below and tell us your thoughts about seeing Jean-Luc once again!

Janice Kay

Janice’s first memories of the genre were of watching the original ‘Star Trek’ and classic ‘Doctor Who’ episodes (Tom Baker, aka the Fourth Doctor, was her first). Soon, she was introduced to ‘Godzilla’ and her addiction then spread to books, magazines, movies and comics. Janice continued as a closet geek as her thirst and love for sci-fi grew and was only second to her love of baking. Then one night, on a whim, she answered a tweet to be a writer for ScienceFiction.com and the geek girl insider her was soon set free. Within 3 years she became the Senior Editor for the site. When not writing or editing for ScienceFiction.com, Janice is scouring the internet to feed her sci-fi cravings while defending conspiracy theories, protecting scientific theorems and loving all things science fiction…. and baking cookies.